Denbighshire Countryside Service and local access for all company, Fieldsman Trails, are inviting visitors on a walk to the magnificent hillfort of Caer Drewyn, Corwen, as part of the Festival of British Archaeology.
The Caer Drewyn hillfort, known locally as Mynydd y Gaer, is unique in the area as its ramparts (walls) are made up of stone, unlike its neighbours on neighbouring hills and the Clwydian Range. The hillfort is thought to date to the Iron Age, around 2,500 years ago, and has many interesting features, including evidence of how the dry stone walls were built, phases of the fort’s size and status throughout the centuries, the remains of roundhouses and also rare lichens which sit on the now tumble-down stone walls, which are a sign to the purity of the air.
The guided walk will include a live voice commentary for, in particular, experienced visually impaired walkers.
Mini bus is from Loggerheads Country Park at 10am, returning at 4pm. Bring a packed lunch or you can buy refreshments at the Leisure Centre in Corwen.
Caer Drewyn continued to be used long after the Iron Age had ended. Legend has it that it was used by Owain Gwynedd, a self proclaimed King of Wales, as a camp whilst Henry II was encamped on the Berwyn Mountains. It is also believed to be the site where Owain Glyndŵr gathered his troops after he proclaimed himself Prince of Wales in 1400.
Other events in Denbighshire’s countryside throughout the Festival of British Archaeology include:
- Wednesday 21July 6pm- a guided walk in the Nant y Pandy Valley exploring the old slateworks
- Tuesday 27 July 10am- A guided walk around Moel Famau Country Park
- Tuesday 27 July 1.30pm- Design and create a geology themed t-shirt at Corwen Leisure Centre (Booking essential)
- Friday 30 July 10am- A guided walk around the new World Heritage Site in the Dee Valley
- Sunday 1 August 2pm- Hidden History of Brenig guided walk
For more information or to book on any of the events call Loggerheads Country Park on 01352 810614, email [email protected] or visit http://festival.britarch.ac.uk
The Live Commentary Voice Trail is one of eight events being organised by Denbighshire County Council, with the aim of allowing people with physical, visual or hearing impairments to have access to Denbighshire’s countryside.
The next Access for All event will be held on 10 August when people will be guided on a second Live Commentary Voice Trail at Moel Famau 2pm-3.30pm.
To book a place on all Access for All events, please contact Colin Antwis, Fieldsman Trails on 01352 756202. As we wish these events to include as many disabled people as is practicable, please mention any specific access requirements when booking.
The Loggerheads Country Park has accessible toilets and designated spaces for Blue Badge holders, although everyone has to pay and display. Where travel by coach is required, facilities for wheelchair users will be available. Numbers are limited as the minibus size is also limited by the condition of the roads and lanes. Live Commentary walks provide the opportunity for, in particular, visually impaired walkers to use earphones to hear descriptions distinctly.
The three year Heather and Hillforts Project is developing a £2.3 million initiative for upland conservation work and has received a grant of £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information please visit heatherandhillforts.co.uk. You can now follow us on twitter! Visit www.twitter.com/HeatherHillfort or join our Facebook group for more updates from the project.
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects allocating over £4.3 billion across the UK, including more than 1,800 projects totalling over £200 million in Wales. To find out more, please visit www.hlf.org.uk
This event is part of a pilot project to encourage people into the countryside who would not normally feel confident. This project is also supported by Cadwyn Clwyd Rural Development Agency and the project is part funded by the EU Rural Development Plan for Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Fieldsman Trails’ experience in using all the senses in bringing the countryside to life spans nearly 18 years. Live Commentary Voice Trails, Tactile Talking pictures, Look-Out Guides, Maps and guides in a variety of formats, form part of their repertoire. Visit www.fieldsmantrails.com for more information.
